Are you looking for a new dental office or orthodontics provider? At Nautical Dental & Braces, we provide state-of-the-art general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and oral surgery services in San Antonio, Texas. If you need an oral surgery procedure, we’ll help ensure your recovery in San Antonio is as fast and easy as possible.
We’ll help you put your best smile forward, from tooth extractions to braces. Our friendly team takes pride in providing the highest quality care to every patient visiting our practice. And with advanced technologies like laser dentistry, your experience at Nautical Dental & Braces will surely be pleasant! You can trust us to deliver top-notch personalized care no matter what type of procedure you decide on.
Contact us today and book an appointment! Let’s get started making that healthy, beautiful smile of yours shine brighter than ever before!
Tips and Tricks
The thought of recovery can be daunting for most individuals who undergo oral surgery. Oral surgeries are not typically something that most people look forward to, but they can be highly beneficial to your oral health. The recovery process can be challenging depending on the type of procedure. However, you can ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery with a little preparation and knowledge.
After your surgery, you may experience discomfort and pain for the first few days, which can be alleviated with proper care. From wisdom tooth removal to dental implants, we want to help you understand what recovery looks like and how you can manage it. Follow along to help speed up your recovery and return to feeling like yourself again.
We’ve compiled the following thorough guide to help you through the recovery process in general.
Plan Ahead
Before your surgery, you will have a Pre-Op appointment. We will go over everything that you need to know and understand for before and aftercare instructions, dietary restrictions, and medication prescriptions. Also, arrange for someone to drive you to and back home, as you may still be under anesthesia.
Control Swelling and Bleeding
After oral surgery, it’s normal for some amount of swelling and bleeding to occur. However, there are several ways to manage these symptoms. For example, you can apply an ice pack to the affected area to reduce swelling and hold gauze on the site of bleeding. And change the gauze regularly to ensure proper healing.
Stick to A Soft Food Diet
In the days following the surgery, eat only soft foods that won’t irritate the surgical site. Stick to foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, and scrambled eggs. Avoid crunchy snacks, spicy foods, and anything requiring excessive chewing. Avoid caffeine, carbonated beverages, and nicotine.
Take Good Care of Your Mouth
After oral surgery, following our team’s instructions regarding oral hygiene is important. You may be asked to avoid brushing near the surgical site, rinse with salt water, and avoid using a straw. These precautions can help to prevent infection and ensure proper healing.
Be Patient
Most importantly, be patient. Oral surgery can be a lengthy recovery process, and taking the time to heal correctly is essential. If you experience any issues or discomfort during your recovery, contact us to schedule an appointment.
Specific Things You Can Do to Recover from Various Oral Surgery Procedures
The recovery period can differ depending on the procedure, whether it’s a simple filling or a complicated dental implant surgery. The following are some specific things you can do to help you speed recovery.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth extractions are one of the most common oral surgeries. If you’ve recently had your wisdom teeth removed, it’s essential to rest and avoid any strenuous activity.
Ice packs on your cheeks can ease any swelling, and pain medication prescribed by our team can help manage discomfort. Stick to a soft foods diet for the first few days, and avoid drinking through a straw because the suction can cause dry sockets, which prolong healing.
Don’t brush or rinse your mouth until the next day and avoid spitting so you don’t disrupt the blood clot that forms around the extraction site.
Dental Implants
Dental implant surgery is a more complex surgery than tooth extractions. After the procedure, it’s essential to rest and avoid activity for the first few days. Ice packs can help with swelling, and following our instructions on pain management is imperative.
Avoid hot foods, and don’t drink through a straw for the first week. Try not to brush or rinse your mouth until the day after surgery. The implant site may take several months to heal completely, so attend any follow-up appointments to ensure the healing process progresses correctly.
Root Canals
Root canals are performed to prevent further decay or infection of a severely damaged tooth. After the procedure, you may experience tenderness, and over-the-counter pain medications may be all needed to manage the discomfort. Avoid eating on the side of the treated tooth for a few days, and avoid chewing hard or crunchy foods until any tenderness subsides. Brush and floss your teeth regularly, but avoid using toothpaste that contains bleach or baking soda, which can irritate the surgical site.
Bone Grafting
Undergoing a bone grafting oral surgery procedure can be challenging, but recovery can be made easier by taking a few critical steps. This may include avoiding certain foods, taking pain medication, and having regular check-up appointments. Follow all post-operative instructions from our team.
Additionally, getting plenty of rest and taking time off from work or other responsibilities can also aid in the recovery process. Maintaining good oral hygiene is also crucial during recovery, including gentle brushing and rinsing with salt water.
Lastly, avoiding strenuous physical activities and sticking to a nutritious diet can help boost your body’s healing abilities. Overall, with proper care and attention, the recovery process from bone grafting oral surgery can be smoother and quicker for individuals.
Extractions
Tooth extractions are one of the most common dental surgeries. After your procedure, Dr. Cornelius will recommend rest and icing to reduce swelling. Pain medication can help manage discomfort; after the first day, you can apply moist heat to alleviate any discomfort.
Stick to a soft foods diet for the first few days, and avoid drinking from a straw to prevent dry sockets. Try not to brush or rinse your teeth until the day after surgery, and avoid strenuous activities until you receive a release from your dentist.
Fast and Comfortable Oral Surgery Recovery in San Antonio
Recovering from oral surgery can be uncomfortable, but following Dr. Cornelius’ instructions is paramount to a successful recovery. It can be simpler than you expect. Depending on the type and complexity of the surgery, varying activities should be avoided, and the medication prescribed should be taken per our instructions. At Nautical Dental & Braces, our experienced team can walk you through every step of the recovery process and make sure you are cared for.
Sticking to a soft diet, managing swelling and bleeding, and taking good care of your mouth can ensure a comfortable and successful recovery. Always stay hydrated after oral surgeries, and avoid smoking for a specific time post-surgery. And remember to keep up your regular oral hygiene routine and schedule follow-up appointments with our team to ensure your recovery is progressing correctly. Following these tips makes your recovery easier and helps you return to the best oral health possible.
If you have any concerns or questions during your recovery, don’t hesitate to contact our team in San Antonio, Texas. We’re always here to help!